The 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga offers an unforgettable desert tour through the heart of Morocco. This well-planned itinerary takes you from the lively city of Marrakech, across the stunning High Atlas Mountains, and into the breathtaking Sahara Desert. Ideal for those seeking authentic cultural experiences and natural beauty, this tour is among the most popular trips from Marrakech.
Your Marrakech to Sahara desert tour starts with an early morning departure from your riad or hotel in Marrakech. Heading south, the journey begins with a scenic drive through the towering High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, one of Morocco’s most picturesque mountain roads. Along the way, you’ll witness quaint Berber villages clinging to the hillsides and sweeping views of rugged peaks.
The first highlight is a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a historic ksar famous for its earthen clay architecture and film appearances. After exploring the site, we’ll continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Lunch will be enjoyed en route before continuing to the stunning Dades Gorges, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional guesthouse nestled among the valley’s dramatic rock formations.
After breakfast in your guesthouse, your 3 days desert tour from Marrakech takes you through the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” The journey winds through fertile oases and ancient kasbahs until reaching the spectacular Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs rise dramatically on either side. You’ll have time to explore this iconic canyon and enjoy its refreshing environment.
As the day progresses, we’ll travel through Erfoud, a town famous for its fossil craftsmanship, before arriving in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, your camel awaits to take you on a trek into the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll witness a magical sunset. At the luxury desert camp, indulge in traditional Moroccan cuisine and music under the starlit desert sky before settling into your tent for the night.
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Sahara dunes—an unforgettable moment. After breakfast, the journey continues through the historic town of Rissani, a vibrant market town known for its cultural significance in the region. From here, we travel along the Draa Valley, the largest palm oasis in Morocco, offering lush green scenery contrasting with the surrounding desert landscapes.
Lunch will be enjoyed in Ouarzazate before crossing back through the Atlas Mountains and returning to Marrakech in the evening. This 3 days desert tour from Marrakech ends with memories of an incredible journey filled with cultural encounters, natural beauty, and the majestic Sahara Desert.
Morocco stole my heart Abdelali and the team planned a perfect itinerary including watching sunsets over the dunes and tasting the best tagines I felt so welcomed everywhere we went Highly recommend
